Family member of Adam Johnson speaks out after manslaughter arrest was made during investigation into former NHL star's death: 'I'm just glad they are being diligent'

One of Adam Johnson's family members has spoken up following an arrest made in the UK in connection to the former NHL star's death.

Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL when he was cut by the skate blade of Sheffield Steelers' defenseman Matt Petgrave during a play.

The name of the person arrested was not released in compliance with a UK law preventing someone being named until they are formally charged with a crime. The arrest was made on suspicion of manslaughter.

Johnson's aunt, Kari, was the first in his family to make public comments in the aftermath of the arrest.

'We're just going to have to let it play out and see what happens,' Kari Johnson told The Mirror.

'Whatever they'd decided, I would have had to live with it. But I'm just glad they are being diligent with doing what they're supposed to be doing.'

Johnson was recently laid to rest in his native state of Minnesota just last week.

South Yorkshire Police announced at the end of October that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the former Pittsburgh Penguins star. 

'Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,' South Yorkshire Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said in a statement.

'We have been speaking to highly specialized experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.'